Chinese New Year is around the corner and it is that time of the beginning of the year in accordance with the lunar calendar that the opportunity is here again for time to be well spent with our family, friends and loved ones. Food and drinks would be aplenty for daily gatherings, some lasting throughout the first 15 days until Chap Goh Meh, and a fresh breath of anticipation with renewed vigour and drive for everyone as we usher in the new Year of the Boar.
When I launched my vision Penang2030 in late August last year, an element of vital importance that I mentioned was the provision of an action plan with a focus on improving liveability, the economy, civil participation and balanced development to achieve a “family-focused, green and smart state”.
The keyphrase here is “family-focused” which to me, means the importance of achieving harmony, cohesiveness and keeping the flame of passion burning in one’s immediate & extended family, between married couples and even dating ones and to a certain extent, even to a friend if he or she were to be treated as family.
Penang is successful today not solely because her people are well-educated and industrious or because we have access to highly developed infrastructure, but more importantly, Penangites hold steadfastly to our values specifically family values as we truly treasure our loved ones and this impetus that Penangites have in common irrespective of race, religion or creed is what makes Penang ticks and writes her never-ending success story until today.
Likewise, the much anticipated Chinese New Year celebrations and the seemingly endless gatherings is a continuation of our tradition to live up our family values by spending quality and precious time with the young, not-so-young, those in their prime and senior citizens who are the beloved members of one’s family.
On a final note, practise moderation in your food and drinks consumption and stay safe always for the love of those close to you. I wish all Penangites a very happy Chinese New Year and Gong Xi Fa Cai!